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TORONTO, June 18 /CNW/ - The McGuinty government is helping promote the
2007 Grey Cup Festival through an investment of $200,000 to cover the cost of
newspaper advertising, Tourism Minister Jim Bradley announced today.
"Thousands of fans will attend Grey Cup celebrations in Toronto, and
millions of viewers in 160 countries will watch the game on television," said
Bradley. "Supporting this event is a terrific way to boost tourism to
Toronto."
The 2007 Grey Cup Festival, running November 21 - 25, will be highlighted
by the playing of the 95th Grey Cup Game, which returns to Toronto for the
first time in 15 years. Surrounding festivities will include music, comedy and
street celebrations geared to both family and fan audiences at more than 50
events in downtown Toronto. In addition, for the first time, the Grey Cup
weekend will host the Canadian Interuniversity Sport Vanier Cup game.
"The Grey Cup is Canada's largest professional sporting event," said
George Smitherman, MPP for Toronto Centre - Rosedale. "Hosting the Cup game
and the amazing Festival that will surround it, is important for Toronto
because it will attract thousands of tourists to our city. About 135,000
people are expected to attend this year, and the economic impact will be more
than $53 million."
"The diversity of entertainment available to fans at the 2007 Grey Cup
Festival is both exciting and unprecedented," commented Brad Watters, general
manager of the 2007 Grey Cup Festival. "We sincerely thank the Ministry of
Tourism for their generous contribution, and invite both tourists and
Torontonians to enjoy the Cup celebrations in a unique, festival village
atmosphere."
The 2007 Grey Cup Festival is among dozens of Ontario events and
festivals supported by the Ontario government. Marketing support for these
events encourages increased tourism and strengthens Ontario's tourism industry
by assisting local organizations to promote their events to the people of
Ontario and beyond.
"A healthy tourism industry supports Ontario's high quality of life,"
said Bradley. "Festivals and events increase tourism, bringing new visitors to
communities across Ontario, contributing to a strong and prosperous economy."
Disponible en français
www.tourism.gov.on.ca
www.ontariotravel.net